LOWER LAKE ? Construction of a new automotive center was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 7 at Lower Lake High School (LLHS). The project will result in a 4,200 square foot, eight-bay shop with classroom, parts room, tool room, office and locker room.
The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) and Yuba Community College District (YCCC). According to Superintendent Bill MacDougall half the funds for the project were garnered through a state grant for career technology education. He said the other half of the money came from the sale of property to YCCC and other projects.
“This auto shop is a product of something we came up with four years ago. When the demands for technology programs became mandatory we looked at creating a charter school,” MacDougall said adding that the plan changed. The auto shop will be located on the LLHS campus and included in the curriculum offered at the school.
“We are looking at putting in one of the most beautiful auto shops in Northern California,” MacDougall said.
KUSD School Board President Anita Gordon said the project would not have been possible without the passage of Measure G, a bond measure for school district improvements. “If we hadn”t passed Measure G, we wouldn”t have been able to go this far with our plans for the district,” she said. “If all the stars align, this year”s students will be able to use the auto shop; if not, next year”s for sure.”
LLHS Principal Jeff Dixon said he realizes that college isn”t for every student and that he is pleased to see the school offer valuable alternatives for education in technology career choices. “We are very proud to offer auto shop to our students,” he said. “Let”s give our students an opportunity that other students don”t have in the State of California. I know (the students) will use it well and I can”t wait to see it.”
Automotive Instructor Bill Gabe was overwhelmed with gratitude, saying it”s hands-on, personal experience that makes a good mechanic. “I can”t believe I”m getting a shop like this. I”ve got many students who come through here,” he said. “They will be able to get their ASE certification and become auto mechanics right here in our own community.”
Gabe added special recognition for A&B Collision for its generous donation of the auto shop”s new paint booth.
The architect on the project is Quattrocchi Kwok Architects. Contractor is Lamon Construction Company, Inc. and Kip Clark, of KWC Construction Services, Inc., is the inspector.
